Based on statistics, 80% of the population has a deviated septum. In some cases, this causes noticeable discomfort and difficulty breathing. In such a situation, a septoplasty is simply necessary. This is a surgical operation, the purpose of which is to change the shape of the nasal septum.
Its main difference from rhinoplasty (changes in the external shape of the nose) is that it is performed solely for medical reasons.
What is septoplasty
So, septoplasty is an operation that corrects the shape of the nasal septum. As a result, the patient's nasal breathing is restored. In addition, he gets rid of various problems caused by ENT diseases that were provoked by a deformed nasal septum.
During the operation, only the septum correction is performed, the nose after septoplasty does not change at all. Although there are options for combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty.
Types of septoplasty
Septoplasty of the nose can be performedin two ways: endoscopically or using laser technology.
It is worth considering separately each of the options.
1. Endoscopic septoplasty. Most clients prefer this type of procedure.
Because the operation (septoplasty) is performed on the nasal mucosa, there are no external scars left after it.
If the deformation of the nasal septum was not due to physical injuries, during the operation its integrity is completely preserved. In this case, only the removal of those tissue fragments that prevent the nasal septum from acquiring a vertical position is carried out.
The operation takes approximately 30-40 minutes. If by this time we add the preparation of the patient and the introduction of anesthesia to him, then in general the whole process will take no more than one hour.
Endoscopic septoplasty is performed using anesthesia, which can be local, general or combined. After the operation, a rehabilitation period follows.
2. Laser septoplasty. From the very name of the procedure, it becomes clear that this type of operation is performed using a laser beam.
Laser septoplasty is done under local anesthesia and lasts within 20-30 minutes. Unlike the previous type, changing the shape of the septum using a laser beam is an almost non-traumatic and bloodless procedure. Rehabilitation after it is very fast and completely painless. Besides,the patient after this type of operation does not need to be in the hospital or use tight swabs for the nose (turundas).
Unfortunately, laser septoplasty is not a method that suits absolutely everyone. It has some contraindications and is completely ineffective in cases of deformation of not only cartilage, but also other tissues.
Indications for septoplasty
The main reason to see a surgeon for a septoplasty is difficulty breathing.
In addition, a deviated nasal septum can cause the following discomforts and diseases:
- swelling of the mucosa and, as a result, the possible appearance of allergic rhinitis;
- inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis);
- regular nosebleeds;
- high vulnerability to colds;
- snoring;
- breathing noise;
- frequent headaches.
Deformation of the nasal septum in some cases can cause a curvature of the shape of the nose or the appearance of humps.
It must be remembered that the growth and change of the cartilaginous tissue of the nasal septum lasts until the age of 21. Therefore, until then, surgical interventions are not performed to avoid possible reoperations.
Contraindications for septoplasty
Septoplasty of the nasal septum is prohibited in the following cases:
- if the patient is under 21;
- if the patient has diabetes mellitus or other diseases, duringduring which blood clotting worsens;
- presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- presence of oncological diseases;
- presence of infectious diseases, especially during their exacerbation.
Cost of the procedure and what it includes
The price of the issue may vary depending on the complexity of the operation, the degree of deformity of the nasal septum, the type of anesthesia used and the time spent in the hospital after the procedure.
For example, the cost of correcting a small congenital curvature will be within 50 thousand rubles. In cases of septal curvature as a result of injuries and fractures, the cost of the operation may increase two or even three times.
Therefore, before the operation, you should definitely discuss this issue with your surgeon.
As a rule, the cost of the operation includes:
- preparatory examination (taking tests, consultations with the necessary specialists, etc.);
- cost of the operation itself (septoplasty);
- use of anesthesia;
- time spent in the hospital during the rehabilitation period;
- treatment and dressing of the nose in the postoperative period.
Preparation for the operation and the procedure for its implementation
Before the operation, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations for the patient and sends him for the necessary tests. In most cases this is:
- fluorography;
- electrocardiogram (ECG);
- consultation withENT doctor (otolaryngologist);
- general blood and urine tests;
- blood clotting test;
- blood test for hepatitis, HIV and syphilis;
- blood chemistry.
The operation itself consists of several stages.
First, it is the preparation of the patient. At this stage, the necessary type of anesthesia is administered.
The second stage is the operation itself. First, small incisions are made in the nasal mucosa, after which the doctor proceeds to exfoliate the soft tissues and cut off the deformed sections of the cartilage tissue. This is followed by straightening of the nasal septum by displacing cartilage or bone fragments.
The third stage is the final one. During it, self-absorbable sutures are applied to the incisions, and plaster or a special fixing bandage is applied to the nose itself. In this case (in the case of endoscopic septoplasty), tight turundas are inserted into the nasal passages, which will be removed no earlier than 24 hours after the operation, and in some cases this period can be extended up to 72 hours.
Laser septoplasty is different in that it is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require suturing, the use of turundas and a recovery period in the hospital.
Rehabilitation period after surgery
So, a surgical intervention called "septoplasty" has been successfully completed. After the operation, a short rehabilitation period follows.
During the first 2-3 days after surgery, there are special fixing tampons in the nose, due towhich the patient for some time has to breathe exclusively through the mouth. Therefore, these days you may experience dry mouth, fever and severe headaches.
Swelling of the nose, which occurs after surgery and causes discomfort, as well as difficulty in breathing, usually disappears after 7-10 days.
All effects of septoplasty disappear completely after about two weeks, but physical activity should be abandoned for at least one month.
Complications after surgery
Septoplasty is a very simple operation, so the likelihood of complications after it is minimal.
Usually, complications are manifested in the form of bleeding and infectious diseases that develop against their background. To avoid this, we should not forget that some drugs can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, before septoplasty, it is necessary to consult a doctor and inform him about what medications the patient is currently taking or took shortly before going to the clinic.
Very rare cases of changes in the external shape of the nose or damage to the nerve endings after a septoplasty. In order to protect yourself from this, it is important to contact only proven highly qualified doctors who will not make such gross mistakes.
Septoplasty operation: patient reviews
As you know, before buying this or that prescribed drug, people look for information about it, and not from the manufacturer, but from those who have already experienced the effect of the drug on themselves. Operations are no exception. Before resorting to a particular method, many are interested in the opinion of "experienced" patients. What do people say about the method we are discussing for correcting a deformity of the nasal septum?
Judging by the reviews, for many, septoplasty is a real lifeline that helps get rid of many problems. Satisfied patients talk about noticeable improvements that are observed immediately after the end of the rehabilitation period. It becomes much easier to breathe through the nose, snoring disappears, chronic diseases that were provoked by the curvature of the septum (in particular, sinusitis) go away.
The operation itself, according to patients, is completely painless, both under general and local anesthesia. The only thing is that in the case of local anesthesia, the procedure is a little unpleasant, since you have to sit for about half an hour in the same position, and even hear a crunch in your own nose.
Of the minuses, only the rehabilitation period is noted, which is accompanied by discomfort, headaches and painful injections of antibiotics.
Although in the end, of course, it's worth it. After all, it is easier to endure temporary inconveniences than to suffer all your life from constant lack of air and chronic diseases that have arisen against this background. Stay he althy!
